High above the valley floor

A few weeks ago I penned a post about having attended a winemaker’s dinner in St. Helena which featured the wines of Chappellet Vineyards. Last weekend I finally had the opportunity to visit this remarkable property, high in the hills above St. Helena on the east side of the valley, off Highway 128 adjacent to Lake Hennessey. Open by prior appointment only, this was a gem of a tasting experience, as we were able to sample many of the wines while we strolled through the vineyards on a pristine summer morning. Back inside, we tasted a few more wines and enjoyed the company of our fellow tasters, two couples from Florida and Indiana. The property is unique in its elevation and perch on Pritchard Hill, and receives some beneficial grape-growing weather based on this location. The staff was delightful, the facility quite interesting to see, and they are thoughtful enough to provide down parkas in case the climate-controlled winery is too chilly for your liking. I would definitely recommend that you plan ahead and make arrangements to visit this wonderful winery when you get a chance. A few of my photos from the day are presented below for your visual enjoyment.